{"data":{"type":"company_profile","id":26066,"entity_id":"wefunder:company:26066","attributes":{"canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/vinder","generated_at":"2026-06-08T04:21:34Z","updated_at":"2026-06-07T05:01:54Z","entity_ids":{"company":"wefunder:company:26066","slug":"wefunder:company_slug:vinder"},"profile_visibility":{"owner_published":true,"public_search_results":true,"site_search_listed":true,"privacy_mode":"promote","invite_only":false},"provenance":{"source":"wefunder_public_company_profile","as_of":"2026-06-08T04:21:34Z","claims":{"total_amount_raised":{"source":"FrontCompanySummary#amount_raised","last_verified_at":"2026-06-07T05:01:54Z","as_of":"2026-06-08T04:21:34Z","confidence":"high"},"total_investors":{"source":"FrontCompanySummary#number_of_investors","last_verified_at":"2026-06-07T05:01:54Z","as_of":"2026-06-08T04:21:34Z","confidence":"high"},"active_raise_states":{"source":"Fundraise.visible(nil, nil)","last_verified_at":"2026-03-04T01:12:05Z","as_of":"2026-06-08T04:21:34Z","confidence":"high"},"latest_fundraise_state":{"source":"Fundraise.visible(nil, nil).order(funding_started_at)","last_verified_at":"2026-03-04T01:12:05Z","as_of":"2026-06-08T04:21:34Z","confidence":"medium"}}},"company":{"id":26066,"entity_id":"wefunder:company:26066","slug":"vinder","name":"Vinder","tagline":"Neighbors Feeding Neighbors","elevator_pitch":"As an online farmers market for\u0026nbsp;home gardeners, we help people easily buy and sell homegrown produce with their neighbors. This not only incentivizes home gardeners to grow fresh, amazing fruits and vegetables but opens up communities to more personal connections. We keep those relationships personal by allowing those connections to form organically, taking only a 20% transaction fee on the buyer side. So far, this has resulted in a 90% retention rate for growers and 77% for buyers.","story":"In the modern age, grocery stores source fruits and vegetables from all over the globe. Unsurprisingly, our produce just isn't as fresh anymore. The solution? Vinder. We allow users to easily buy the freshest produce possible by connecting home gardeners to their neighbors through an online marketplace. Gardeners post their produce, then neighborhood buyers purchase and handle the pickup and delivery. We take a 20% service fee from the buyer, keeping gardener costs low to encourage a market full of diverse, interesting, local produce. Vinder Creates Value for Both Buyer and GardenerFor home gardeners, using Vinder is a no-brainer.\u0026nbsp; Instead of just enjoying the fruits of their labors themselves -- or worse, letting excess fruits and veggies go to waste -- they now have an easy-to-use marketplace where buyers are actively\u0026nbsp; clamoring for the same produce they'd be growing anyway.\u0026nbsp; We encourage a diverse set of crops by not taking a service fee, encouraging home gardeners to connect to as many of their neighbors as possible.\u0026nbsp; Now that they can sell on Vinder, many of our gardeners have even said they plan on increasing their garden sizes.Our buyers are generally between 25 and 45 and work full time.\u0026nbsp; They are people who prefer organic produce but might not have the money or time to source that produce.\u0026nbsp; Instead, they use Vinder, sacrificing a small 20% service fee to eat food they know was grown in their neighborhood.\u0026nbsp; Rather than supporting huge grocery store conglomerates, they get to support their neighbors while eating fresher food.\u0026nbsp; It's a winning relationship for our users, which we know because right now, we have more buyers than growers.We've Grown to 90 Cities OrganicallyWe started out of Port Townsend, Washington. Our founder, Sam, went from one small order to delivering more than 300 pounds of produce on his bike in just three months. In 2017, we were still focusing on our one location with our beta testing, but users around the country just started using our marketplace. Without an ounce of marketing, we grew to over 90 cities in 19 states in 4 monthsNow, with some momentum, we're launching an app on August 21 that will make it even easier to interact with our online marketplace. We're imagining a future where Vinder becomes the largest homemade grocery distributor in the country. By relying on communities and neighbors and not requiring any inventory or delivery vehicles, we can help create a more sustainable food ecosystem. Let's Connect Our Neighbors TogetherDear Investors,Wow! Thank you for considering an investment in Vinder! We couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to help communities take back and rebuild our broken food system and are thrilled that you are considering joining our community. Before you get into the offering material, there are a couple things we want to mention.Grass RootsVinder is not a conventional company and we don’t intend to become one.I started Vinder on foot and bicycle after attending a Chamber of Commerce meeting in Port Townsend, WA. I learned that there was a problem accessing local, organic produce for a reasonable price. I walked home and noticed all the apple trees with rotting apples on the ground and thought, “Why can’t we just buy from our neighbors?\" So, I began knocking on doors and asking to sell their extra produce. Over 3 months, I hand-delivered over 300 lbs of produce between community members and formed relationships with neighbors I had never known while learning about the importance of soil nutrients, growing methods, and that there are so many awesome, delicious varieties of produce beyond what you see at the grocery store. Like atomic grape cherry tomatoes, glass gem corn, or pineberries (white strawberries that taste like pineapple).Vinder wasn’t created to change the world and make a ton of money. It was created to fix the problem my community was having. It worked because community members joined together to create a local food system where neighbors feed neighbors. When we launched the online marketplace, we found that the problem wasn’t just in Port Townsend, but across the nation and world. There were people wanting to stand up and make a change.We work in the gardens with our Growers, join community garden work days, and host potlucks with our communities. Everything is designed and built around and for our community members.Most of this offering material describes Vinder in conventional business terms. In fact, the whole purpose of this document is to provide information for you to evaluate our company and make an informed investment decision. But there are elements of Vinder that defy convention, and we want to take a moment to explain them.The Dirt - Risk vs. Reward. Before you invest, it’s important to understand that Vinder is a very early stage company. In fact, thanks to the JOBS Act, you now have the opportunity to invest earlier than has ever been possible, at a stage traditionally reserved for angel investors and venture capitalists.If you want to get in early, you need to understand the risks. As an early stage company, we don’t yet have established customers or revenue streams, and we have very little operating history for you to review. Startups are an inherently risky investment — statistically speaking, most of them fail.But those that succeed often go on to change the world. Every great company — from Airbnb to REI — started with entrepreneurs and investors who had the courage to defy the odds and try something no one else had done before. We believe Vinder is one of those companies.As a rule, you should never invest more than you can bear to lose in a startup company. But if you’ve got a little extra and want to swing for the fences, we’d love for you to join us. We’re betting our money, reputations, and careers that we can make this company a success.Sprouting the FutureNo longer can we think of the farmer as some guy on a tractor plowing acres of farmland. The farmers of today, and of the future, grow their food in shipping containers, on rooftops, in empty lots in the inner cities, and in their own backyards. Innovation in local, organic agricultural production has sky-rocketed, yet, the distribution system has hardly changed. Vinder is connecting these agro-innovators and hobbyists with their community members. Creating a local feel for what will be a global scale.We know it won’t be easy, but things worth doing rarely are. While we can’t guarantee the company will be successful (nobody can promise that), we can guarantee that we’ll do everything in our power to make this the best investment you’ve ever made.THANK YOU for considering Vinder. If you like what you see and dig what we are doing, we would love for you to join our community.Sincerely, Sam LillieCo-founder/CEO, Vinder #dowhatsripe","location":"Port Townsend, WA","website":"https://www.veggievinder.com","total_amount_raised":156224,"total_investors":357,"is_funded":true,"is_active":true,"quality_score":2,"related_urls":["https://wefunder.com/vinder","https://www.veggievinder.com"]},"media":{"share_image_url":"https://uploads.wefunder.com/uploads/company/header_media_photo/26066/xxl_cropped_vinder_header_media.jpg","logo_url":"https://uploads.wefunder.com/uploads/company/logo/26066/large_cropped_Logo_VinderBG_CMYK.jpg","header_media_url":"https://uploads.wefunder.com/uploads/company/header_media_photo/26066/standard_cropped_vinder_header_media.jpg","cover_photo_url":"https://uploads.wefunder.com/uploads/company/header_media_photo/26066/standard_cropped_vinder_header_media.jpg"},"links":{"company_url":"https://www.veggievinder.com","twitter_url":"http://twitter.com/Vinder_App","facebook_url":"https://www.facebook.com/vinderapp","instagram_url":"https://www.instagram.com/vinder_app/","youtube_url":"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCth_ATwRX8_tpjepp7ob2EA"},"highlights":[],"quick_facts":[{"index":1,"claim_id":"claim-fact-1","value":"Online beta marketplace organically grew to\u0026nbsp;over 90 cities in 19 states in 4 months."},{"index":2,"claim_id":"claim-fact-2","value":"Winners of the 2017 Silicon Valley Business Plan competition."},{"index":3,"claim_id":"claim-fact-3","value":"Average order size is $15.88."},{"index":4,"claim_id":"claim-fact-4","value":"Our mobile app, which goes live on Android + iOS on August 21, has 700+ pre-registered users."},{"index":5,"claim_id":"claim-fact-5","value":"Retention rate for growers is 90% and 77% for buyers."},{"index":6,"claim_id":"claim-fact-6","value":"CEO Sam Lillie was named the Young Entrepreneur of the Year by Jefferson County, Washington in April 2018."},{"index":7,"claim_id":"claim-fact-7","value":"Graduate of the MassChallenge Business Accelerator."},{"index":8,"claim_id":"claim-fact-8","value":"Sam started by knocking on his neighbor's doors, and in the first 3 months of business,\u0026nbsp;hand-delivered\u0026nbsp;over 300 lbs of produce on his bicycle."}],"team":[{"id":272780,"entity_id":"wefunder:company_role:272780","user_entity_id":"wefunder:user:146296","role":"employee","name":"Brandon Halvorson","title":"Lead Developer","bio":"10+ years experience working with small businesses, 3+ years full stack javascript development","avatar_url":"https://uploads.wefunder.com/uploads/company_role/custom_photo/272780/square_cropped_brandon.fw.jpg?1533309875","profile_url":"https://wefunder.com/brandonhalvorson","personal_url":"http://assignmentcreative.com","linkedin_url":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-halvorson/","twitter_url":"https://twitter.com/BetterWatching","related_urls":["https://wefunder.com/brandonhalvorson","http://assignmentcreative.com"]},{"id":272781,"entity_id":"wefunder:company_role:272781","role":"employee","name":"Lauren Valinoti","title":"Marketing","bio":"Expert in Branding, Digital Marketing, Social Media Management, Email Marketing, Content, SEO","avatar_url":"https://uploads.wefunder.com/uploads/company_role/custom_photo/272781/square_cropped_lauren.jpg?1532377431","linkedin_url":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenvalinoti/","related_urls":[]},{"id":292594,"entity_id":"wefunder:company_role:292594","role":"employee","name":"Andres Cifuentes","title":"Front-End Developer","bio":"Former Full-Stack Developer at musx, Experience in HTML5, React.js, and CSS","avatar_url":"https://uploads.wefunder.com/uploads/company_role/custom_photo/292594/square_cropped_andres.jpg?1532376932","linkedin_url":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/andres-cifuentes-b1569447/","related_urls":[]},{"id":272271,"entity_id":"wefunder:company_role:272271","user_entity_id":"wefunder:user:163157","role":"founder","name":"Sam Lillie","title":"Founder/CEO","bio":"Sam started Vinder by knocking on the doors of his neighbors and selling/delivering on his bicycle.","avatar_url":"https://uploads.wefunder.com/uploads/company_role/custom_photo/272271/square_cropped_20160801_091444_copy.jpg?1529791347","profile_url":"https://wefunder.com/samlillie","linkedin_url":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-lillie-586a1961/","related_urls":["https://wefunder.com/samlillie"]},{"id":272765,"entity_id":"wefunder:company_role:272765","user_entity_id":"wefunder:user:163556","role":"founder","name":"Mark DeJarnatt","title":"CTO","bio":"Mark was one of Vinder's first customers. He has over 18 years of management and web dev. experience","avatar_url":"https://uploads.wefunder.com/uploads/company_role/custom_photo/272765/square_cropped_markwefunder.jpg?1533835944","profile_url":"https://wefunder.com/markdejarnatt","linkedin_url":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-dejarnatt-03614210/","related_urls":["https://wefunder.com/markdejarnatt"]}],"featured_investors":[],"investor_memos":[],"tab_counts":{"posts":0,"ask_questions":42,"featured_investors":0,"faq_entries":5},"active_fundraises":[{"id":18980,"entity_id":"wefunder:fundraise:18980","state":"successful","offering_type":"4(a)(6)","funding_type":"note","structure":"convertible_note","security_type":"debt","currency":"USD","testing_the_waters":false,"min_purchase":100,"max_purchase":9,"funding_target":300000.0,"minimum_target":"50000.0","maximum_target":"300000.0","funding_started_at":"2018-07-27T15:38:11Z","funding_closed_at":"2019-05-04T04:01:45Z","auto_close_at":"2019-05-04T03:59:59Z"}],"latest_fundraise":{"id":18980,"entity_id":"wefunder:fundraise:18980","state":"successful","offering_type":"4(a)(6)","structure":"convertible_note","testing_the_waters":false,"can_invest_now":false,"funding_started_at":"2018-07-27T15:38:11Z","funding_closed_at":"2019-05-04T04:01:45Z","terms":{"eb":null,"nb":"$3M","txt":"valuation cap"}},"recent_posts":[],"q_and_a":[{"id":51823,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:51823","question":"How has revenue been this year?","author_name":"Craig J. Vom Lehn","votes":2,"created_at":"2019-05-02T12:58:16Z","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/vinder#question-51823","answers":[]},{"id":117751,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:117751","question":"Hi, keep up the good work and I'm excited to be a part of Vinder! General question: Is there an update on when my investment will convert to equity, and how can I view my shares in your company?","author_name":"Cristian Nicolaescu","votes":1,"created_at":"2020-12-06T20:10:17Z","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/vinder#question-117751","answers":[]},{"id":315583,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:315583","question":"This company failed. The only report of such is inside a comment on an update made by Wefunder regarding no contact with the company. This puts organizing the fail in our accounting. Founder claims he is closing accounts and paying bills, however does not mention if this was a bankruptcy or a shut down. As such, I'm curious.. what were the final assets and were did they go? Paying all creditors or employees? There's either a debt or a surplus.","author_name":"Cody Heisinger","votes":0,"created_at":"2025-09-24T00:14:07Z","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/vinder#question-315583","answers":[]},{"id":266496,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:266496","question":"Hi, any new updates on our investment? Thanks.","author_name":"Eric Schaefer","votes":0,"created_at":"2023-10-22T17:42:31Z","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/vinder#question-266496","answers":[]},{"id":240183,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:240183","question":"I noticed Vinder.com is not longer active. Did Vinder go out of business?","author_name":"Darron Kitterman","votes":0,"created_at":"2023-03-25T14:50:40Z","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/vinder#question-240183","answers":[]},{"id":67874,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:67874","question":"Is the Affiliate program still available to sign up farmers and/or farmers markets? I can't find it on the website.","author_name":"Darron Kitterman","votes":0,"created_at":"2019-11-04T16:45:16Z","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/vinder#question-67874","answers":[{"id":67929,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:67929","answer":"Hi Darron,Yes, links to videos on how to sign up can be viewed in the investor updates (That program is only available to investors). You should be able to access them through your WeFunder account.","author_name":"Sam Lillie","votes":0,"created_at":"2019-11-05T01:28:25Z"}]},{"id":54578,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:54578","question":"Hey Sam. I love love LOVE your idea! I will definitely follow your progress. I am currently working with CSAs and Co-Ops in your area for something similar. Have you ever reached out to USDA-FSIS for grant money?","author_name":"Steven Singletary","votes":0,"created_at":"2019-06-04T21:57:30Z","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/vinder#question-54578","answers":[{"id":54579,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:54579","answer":"Hi Steven,Thanks for reaching out and for your support.\u0026nbsp;I have looked into them but haven't contacted them from grant money. I would love to have a call and learn more if you have any info about it.\u0026nbsp;You can reach me at: sam@vinder.com​\u0026nbsp;Thanks!","author_name":"Sam Lillie","votes":0,"created_at":"2019-06-04T22:29:32Z"}]},{"id":52050,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:52050","question":"Hey Sam! I'm a day late, it seems, but NOT a dollar short...would you kindly consider one more $100. investor? I've known all along that you are a key element in turning around our wonky food system, and I would still very much like to be backing you up! Thanks for your consideration…","author_name":"Lisa Witt-Widner","votes":0,"created_at":"2019-05-04T17:24:26Z","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/vinder#question-52050","answers":[{"id":52114,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:52114","answer":"Hi Lisa,Thank you for wanting to support us! Unfortunately, we cannot accept any more investments at this time. We may do another WeFunder raise in 6 months to a year. I'll definitely keep you updated if we decide to do that :)","author_name":"Sam Lillie","votes":0,"created_at":"2019-05-05T15:50:41Z"}]},{"id":51736,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:51736","question":"Do you intend to pay a dividend (post-conversion to stock)?","author_name":"Craig J. Vom Lehn","votes":0,"created_at":"2019-05-01T13:04:38Z","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/vinder#question-51736","answers":[{"id":51742,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:51742","answer":"Hi Craig,Not for at least 5-7 years. By paying out dividends early, I believe\u0026nbsp;we would be losing money that could be used for growth and expansion.\u0026nbsp;However, we do offer a direct reinvestment program to our investors that gives them the opportunity to make a return on their investment immediately by providing a % of revenue share for every transaction of\u0026nbsp;every seller that investor signs up.\u0026nbsp;This provides an incentive to kickstart Vinder in your own community, begin making a return on your investment, increase local sales, and thus increase the company value.If you're interested, I'd be happy to hop on the phone and answer more questions.","author_name":"Sam Lillie","votes":1,"created_at":"2019-05-01T14:00:49Z"}]},{"id":51476,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:51476","question":"How much does each share cost?","author_name":"James Petracca","votes":0,"created_at":"2019-04-28T15:56:21Z","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/vinder#question-51476","answers":[{"id":51493,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:51493","answer":"Hi James,Each share is $1 and we have a minimum buy-in of $100.\u0026nbsp;Thank you for your investment! Welcome to the Vinder family!","author_name":"Sam Lillie","votes":0,"created_at":"2019-04-28T23:45:06Z"}]},{"id":50448,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:50448","question":"Hi Why did you ask for 50k and now exceeded 150k and keep collecting ? I'm guessing greed and your trying to collect your negative 183k already in debt for ? I tried to withdrawal from the binder due to my personal opinion but it won't allow me to and so I'm taking it as a withdrawal was made already and I should have pulled out then as when companies get greedy they crash! If I do get the option to pull out of this program at closing I certainly am going to no matter everyone's opinion. I'd rather give to children's medical research n lose it all then to lose it over a company that is deeply in the negative to begin with and I thought you'd keep the ceiling at 50k n not get greedy but what was I thinking n never again will this happen as I'll invest where I don't mind losing my money as mostly I'm into medical research n yours it seems is into greed. I've been investing in children's medical cures where no big fat pharma will get involved. I've so far had none go over on their asking and even though no returns I've seen smiles n that counts more then profit does to me. Enough said.","author_name":"John S Coward","votes":0,"created_at":"2019-04-19T23:18:58Z","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/vinder#question-50448","answers":[{"id":50455,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:50455","answer":"Hi John,First, the initial cap we have to raise to create a successful campaign is $50K. We can then raise up to $1.07MM. This is a good thing.\u0026nbsp;The more money we raise, the more features we are able to build and the more we can spend on marketing to gain new users. This money isn't going to pay high salaries for our CEO (me). I make $900/month. Just enough to pay rent and to eat and work 12 hours days 6-7 days a week to make sure this works.\u0026nbsp;Every dollar goes into the growth and development of Vinder.\u0026nbsp;I didn't start Vinder for the money. If I did, I would have stopped the first month when it took me 3 hours to make a delivery on my bicycle for $0.84. Or, when I lived on $200/month for 2 years\u0026nbsp;in my moms basement funneling 80% of my paycheck from working behind the desk at a gym into the company.We are building Vinder because of the impact it can make in communities around the world. Creating greater access to better food for people in areas that don't have grocery stores. Greater access to local, organic produce for children. Mark, our co-founder and CTO, uses Vinder to feed his children because he realized when he got the first box I delivered on bicycle the joy his kids had eating the produce grown by his neighbors.We actually raised our cap once we hit $107K to $300,000 but, due to mandatory design changes implemented by\u0026nbsp;WeFunder, the limit now says $50K.\u0026nbsp;In 2018 we raised nearly $400K of the $750K (a typical seed round for tech startups)\u0026nbsp;we are trying to raise in total to build out a decent size team of developers and marketers. The $183K spent was over a 1 year period between a team of 6\u0026nbsp;to develop and promote our mobile apps for both iOS and Android. To put this into perspective, the average salary of a lead developer in the U.S is $130,000/year. That's just one developer. Not Management, not Quality Assurance Testing, not marketing. To build a sophisticated platform like ours, we need a team.Our strategic use of funds has\u0026nbsp;lead to 348% user growth just in the month of March.\u0026nbsp;I'm more than happy to have a conversation with you about this. My cell phone\u0026nbsp;number is (619) 916-6140. Feel free to call any time.\u0026nbsp;Sincerely,Sam\u0026nbsp;LillieCo-founder/CEO","author_name":"Sam Lillie","votes":6,"created_at":"2019-04-20T01:14:53Z"}]},{"id":44741,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:44741","question":"When is this round closing? Seems like it keeps getting extended.","author_name":"John Butterfield","votes":0,"created_at":"2019-04-12T14:08:39Z","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/vinder#question-44741","answers":[{"id":44754,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:44754","answer":"Hi John,As we reached new amounts raised we were able to unlock extensions. The hard close date is May 3rd. We will not be extending it past that date.","author_name":"Sam Lillie","votes":1,"created_at":"2019-04-12T16:47:25Z"}]},{"id":43856,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:43856","question":"Hello Sam , I love this idea and I think you and your co-founder will achieve great things. I just have one question about the direct investment program you mentioned. How does that work? if I invest in the convertible notes will I be in that program? also, after I invest , how often will I be getting update s about the business and how?. again great idea and I am seriously considering to invest in Vinder. Thank you","author_name":"Abdul Altememy","votes":0,"created_at":"2019-04-10T02:09:46Z","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/vinder#question-43856","answers":[{"id":44501,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:44501","answer":"Hi Abdul,Thanks for the questions.We offer a revenue % of transactions for every seller you, as an investor in this round, on-board.As for updates, I send out updates every 1-3 months\u0026nbsp;depending on the events that have happened in that time period. It's no longer than 3 months. You'll receive them via WeFunder in a private updates/messages section.Please let me know if you have any more questions. You're welcome to email me: Sam@vinder.com​","author_name":"Sam Lillie","votes":0,"created_at":"2019-04-11T01:39:22Z"}]},{"id":39741,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:39741","question":"Can you please provide how your key metrics evolved over time on a monthly basis, since the launch of the app till today? I am thinking number of users (growers and buyers), number of transactions, Average order size, Average service fee, retention rates, number of cities where you operate, etc. Thanks, Ziad","author_name":"Ziad Fares","votes":0,"created_at":"2019-03-28T06:53:37Z","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/vinder#question-39741","answers":[]},{"id":39695,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:39695","question":"What is the new end date for the raise?","author_name":"Evan P Mackey","votes":0,"created_at":"2019-03-27T09:15:55Z","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/vinder#question-39695","answers":[{"id":40273,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:40273","answer":"Hi Evan,Looks like it will be April 12th as too many companies are closing at the end of April.","author_name":"Sam Lillie","votes":0,"created_at":"2019-03-30T16:40:06Z"}]},{"id":38115,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:38115","question":"I'm a bit concerned with the execution and safety with the growers/farmers. These are the folks that work hard to put bread and if lucky butter on the table. I don't get how you can charge 20% transaction fee, and not delivery the veggies/goodies but rather get it at their place or pick up location. Of course locally is always better, but it seems rather more cost to a consumer to take the time(time on the farmer's side also) to pick up whereas there's grocery markets that will deliver to your home. In my experience just going to a farmer's market took out time out of day because I had to drive to the location and so forth. How is this system better if it's taking time out of day to do the same and charge me an additional 20%? Will you make some sorta delivery system that is included in that 20%?","author_name":"Jennifer Zachey","votes":0,"created_at":"2019-03-20T22:47:36Z","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/vinder#question-38115","answers":[{"id":38422,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:38422","answer":"Hi Jennifer,Thanks for reaching out! Currently, you can have your order delivered to you by the Grower for a delivery fee that is set by the Grower. Typically it's about $5.We are currently in talks with a 3rd party delivery company to have a consistent and dependable delivery system implemented.\u0026nbsp;Feel free to reach out to me any time if you have more questions. We can even hop on a call whenever your free if you're interested.\u0026nbsp;Sam@vinder.com​​​","author_name":"Sam Lillie","votes":0,"created_at":"2019-03-21T22:56:00Z"}]},{"id":35182,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:35182","question":"Hi, I had invested in this last round after the campaign was oversubscribed, and I didn't hear back from you yet whether my investment is confirmed or not. When will you be able to confirm the investment? Funding round still says \"in progress\" - when are you planning to close the round? Also, will you be providing investors on progress/updates on a regular basis? Thanks","author_name":"Ziad Fares","votes":0,"created_at":"2019-02-17T06:34:43Z","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/vinder#question-35182","answers":[{"id":35258,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:35258","answer":"Hi, Ziad! Thanks for reaching out and thank you for your investment and support in us and our model to create a local, neighbormade food system.\u0026nbsp;We are in the process right now to get the cap lifted and continue raising (Shouldn't be much longer. Possible week or two more).\u0026nbsp;We will be raising until March 22nd. As to updates, yes, I provide updates every month or so based on what has occurred over that time.I hope this helps and if you have any more questions, feel free to email me directly: Sam@vinder.com​​","author_name":"Sam Lillie","votes":0,"created_at":"2019-02-18T17:53:21Z"}]},{"id":32706,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:32706","question":"Looks like I saw this one too late! Damn. Would have figured out a way to toss in. Great concept. Bit concerned over the low AOV but sounds like there are plans to increase that.","author_name":"Tim Mayeur","votes":0,"created_at":"2019-01-04T16:47:00Z","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/vinder#question-32706","answers":[{"id":32708,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:32708","answer":"Hey Timothy! Thanks for reaching out!You can definitely still invest and get a spot! We are in the process of getting our cap raised! Woot, woot!","author_name":"Sam Lillie","votes":0,"created_at":"2019-01-04T17:47:27Z"}]},{"id":31862,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:31862","question":"Hi Sam. Based on your reply to Bangli Yang I would like to cancel my investment as I am vegan and while (I didn’t realize at first I must say) I could live with you intermediating the sale and purchase of vegetarian baked goods the idea that you may get into meat or fish business is too far removed from my values. I would also add that the name of your website is misleading (veggievinder) in light of this additional info, in my opinion. How can I get my money back? Many thanks. Gianluca.","author_name":"Gianluca Gera","votes":0,"created_at":"2018-12-13T21:17:02Z","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/vinder#question-31862","answers":[{"id":31906,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:31906","answer":"Hi Gianluca, Thanks for reaching out. I respect your values and decision. We do discuss ideas about other revenue streams but our main focus is on the distribution of local fruits and veggies grown by our neighbors. In order to get your investment back, you will need to contact Katie from WeFunder. You can email her here: kapow@wefunder.com","author_name":"Sam Lillie","votes":0,"created_at":"2018-12-14T18:02:07Z"}]},{"id":31516,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:31516","question":"I would not be interested in this investment if this company did move into the animal agriculture business. The only reason I invested is because it is a vegan company. Please do not move into selling animal parts.","author_name":"Lisa Cassell","votes":0,"created_at":"2018-12-07T18:14:06Z","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/vinder#question-31516","answers":[{"id":31535,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:31535","answer":"Hi Lisa,Thanks for voicing your concern. We value the feedback and insight of our investors and users. Vinder is built by the community and for the community. I\u0026nbsp;respect your values and morals to animal welfare. Vinder is an online farmers' market where you may find homebaked breads, cakes, cookies, honey, as well as, fruits and veggies. These homebaked goods may be made with milk, butter, and eggs, rendering them non-vegan.\u0026nbsp;If this conflicts too much with your values, we may not be the right investment for you, and I would 100% understand and I respect your principles. Like all farmers' markets, we will offer products for everyone's needs, whether vegan or not.If you'd like, I'd be more than happy to talk with you over the phone.Sincerely,Sam Lillie","author_name":"Sam Lillie","votes":4,"created_at":"2018-12-07T21:31:52Z"}]},{"id":31503,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:31503","question":"Hi Sam, Are you planning to increase the maximum target amount above $107,000? Thanks, Alan","author_name":"Alan Aspera","votes":0,"created_at":"2018-12-07T10:21:47Z","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/vinder#question-31503","answers":[{"id":31506,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:31506","answer":"Hi Alan,Yes, we are looking in to what we will need to do to increase the maximum target amount. Working on increasing it ASAP. :)","author_name":"Sam Lillie","votes":0,"created_at":"2018-12-07T15:24:47Z"}]},{"id":31440,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:31440","question":"Do you have any competitor? I think you can sell more than not only vegetable but also meat,fish or even seafood.","author_name":"Bangli Yang","votes":0,"created_at":"2018-12-06T05:25:52Z","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/vinder#question-31440","answers":[{"id":31462,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:31462","answer":"There's a company called Olio that doesn't do fresh fruits and veg like us but does excess food products, such as, food that may go to waste in your fridge if you go on a vacation (i.e. half jars of jam, store-bought hummus, etc.). They are based out of the U.K. Other companies focus purely on trading excess veggies.As for meats, we have been eyeing meats and seafoods. The regulations for those products are much heavier than that of produce and value added goods. We just need to figure out a way to do it correctly but it's not out of scope. I think it would be a big addition to our platform.","author_name":"Sam Lillie","votes":3,"created_at":"2018-12-06T19:06:44Z"}]},{"id":30614,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:30614","question":"When should I expect my certificate of investment along with other items? I couldn’t seem to find another place on this site to email anyone directly to ask.","author_name":"Kyle Adkins","votes":0,"created_at":"2018-11-18T05:37:08Z","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/vinder#question-30614","answers":[{"id":30660,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:30660","answer":"Hey Kyle! I plan on sending them out to everyone once the campaign ends in December. I'll send an email to everyone asking for mailing addresses.You can always reach me via email: sam@veggievinder.com ​","author_name":"Sam Lillie","votes":0,"created_at":"2018-11-19T16:39:15Z"}]},{"id":30068,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:30068","question":"Are you considering also allowing farmers (full time, part time, all types) to use the platform as well?","author_name":"Daniel Hermstad","votes":0,"created_at":"2018-11-06T01:27:02Z","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/vinder#question-30068","answers":[{"id":30070,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:30070","answer":"of course! We have farmers who sell via farmers markets, use Vinder to take pre-orders, and have the customer pick up the order at the farmers market.","author_name":"Sam Lillie","votes":0,"created_at":"2018-11-06T01:55:17Z"}]},{"id":29248,"entity_id":"wefunder:comment:29248","question":"Thank you for the answer Sam. I'm sure it's the best for the company. The phone call is not necessary, you already answered my questions. Also, I'm investing below 500 USD so it's not worthy for you. Best!","author_name":"Stefano Vettorazzi","votes":0,"created_at":"2018-10-21T15:35:50Z","canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/vinder#question-29248","answers":[]}],"faq":[{"question":"Hi. I think you are building something amazing! Is there an online beta marketplace or you are currently not operating and waiting for the app?","answer":"Hi Mark! Thanks for reaching out and liking Vinder! We shut down the online beta to build and focus on the app based on what we learned. We have a BETA version of our app available for Android if you'd like to check it out. You can email me: sam@veggievinder.com or give me a call at: 1 (682) 235-8745"},{"question":"I like your platform idea. You are going to have an uphill battle getting suppliers who are older and not tech savvy onto the platform. It sounds like this may already be your problem. You may have to do some sort of ambassador program to help get people onto the platform. Per...","answer":"Hi David, Thanks for such detailed questions. Below are the answers listed by question order. If you'd like, we can talk over the phone or video chat. My email is: sam@veggievinder.com Phone: (682) 235-8745. 1) We do have an \"ambassador\" program, although, we like to call them Agtivists :) You can register to be one here: https://www.veggievinder.com/agtivist-volunteer We also offer a number of ways someone can help promote and kick-start their community with this handy \"10 Ways to Get Starte..."},{"question":"How do the buyers get the produce they have purchased?","answer":"Hi Mary! Thanks for reaching out. Customers can pick up the order themselves, meet the Grower, tour the garden, or, have the order delivered to them by the Grower for a delivery fee that is set by the Grower. Typically $5."},{"question":"I love what you are doing, but wouldn’t most cost-conscious buyers just connect directly with the grower after the first meeting and bypass Vinder’s 20%?","answer":"Hi Mary! Great question. Convenience, variety, and ease-of-use keep Buyers from side stepping the platform. Having started Vinder on Bicycle, I know how many pains there are to trying to do it \"offline\". For one, not all Growers grow everything a single customer may want. So, the customer will have to manage and build relationships with multiple Growers. This would mean calling/texting to find out what is available (we built an inter-app messaging service so phone numbers are not shown to use..."},{"question":"I love the concept but how do u insure the customers get quality produce? If there is no oversight what is to stop a grower from sending spoiled or old produce?","answer":"Hi Alan! Thanks for reaching out. We've implemented a 5 star rating system and public comments feature. This way, Buyers/Growers can rate each other and inform the public of their experiences-- creating a community checks and balance. When users get low ratings, their listings are moved further towards the bottom before getting banned. We also found that typically, neighbors don't want to screw over their neighbors."}]}}}